86 ANNUAL REPORTS OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



power permits. The subject " trespass cases " resolves itself into 

 four subdivisions: Grazing, timber, fire, and occupancy cases. Dur- 

 ing the fiscal year 1911 the Solicitor rendered 56 formal opinions, 

 in writing, to officers of the Forest Service on the legal phases of 

 questions arising in connection with the administration of the Na- 

 tional Forests. Four hundred and twenty-three agreements and 196 

 leases were prepared, and the sufficiency of the execution of the same 

 examined during the fiscal year 1911. More than 2,300 cases in- 

 volving claims to land within the National Forests have been con- 

 sidered by the office during the year. Twenty-four cases as a basis 

 for criminal prosecution and 12 actions for injunctions as a result 

 of grazing trespasses were reported to the xVttorney General. Cordial 

 cooperation with the Interior Department has contributed to the 

 efficient administration of the National Forests. In two cases of 

 timber trespass, decided during the year, the Government recovered 

 $47,000. Railroad companies operating through the National Forests 

 have been compelled by the courts to live up to stipulations for the 

 protection of the forests against fire and other damage. The im- 

 portant case of the United States v. Grimaud, in which the Supreme 

 Court of the United States had divided upon a previous argument, 

 was again presented to the court and a unanimous decision of far- 

 reaching effect was secured, approving the administration of the 

 National Forests through the regulations of the Secretary, and sus- 

 taining the right of the Government to enforce such regulations by 

 criminal prosecution. Regulations regarding the occupancy of lands 

 in National Forests, the subjects of grazing, special uses, trespass, 

 and timber sales were revised during the year. 



MEAT-INSPECTION LAW. 



One hundred and one violations of the meat-inspection amend- 

 ment were reported to the Attorney General in the fiscal year 1911. 

 Forty-three cases terminated in favor of the Government during the 

 same period, fines or sentences of imprisonment being imposed, the 

 fines amounting to $3,240. In one case there was a verdict for the 

 defendant, eight cases were dismissed, sentence was suspended in 

 three cases, and in four instances no true bill was returned. Seventy- 

 four cases arising under this statute were pending at the close of 

 June 30, 1911. 



FOOD AND DRUGS ACT. 



The food and drugs act has been effectively enforced during the 

 year by the department and the United States attorneys. Cordial 

 cooperation has existed between this department and the Depart- 

 ment of Justice. The prime object of the food and drugs act was 

 declared in the report (No. 1780, 61st Cong., 1st sess.) of the House 



